Towards Novel Nano-Constructs: Novel Materials and Assembly for the Next Generation of Rechargeable Batteries

A three dimensional electrode design for a Single Wall Nanotube (SWNT) based Lithium Ion microbattery having high energy storage density with specific energy >600Whr/K as shown in figure 1 is envisioned. SWNTs are assembled into trenches or vias created by nanofabrication methods via directed assembly and the active cathode materials are assembled in a subsequent step on the outer surface of the positive electrode made up of assembled single wall carbon nanotubes. The electrical potential of the cell can be tailored to the demand requirements by employing various different active materials and tuning the design of the electrodes. To study intercalation of LiMn2O4 to SWNTs a micron scale template consisting of assembled SWNT electrodes connected to a metallic bus as shown in the figure 2 is fabricated. Commercially available single wall tubes have been assembled employing fluidic assembly on a conductive address bus. The p-type single wall carbon nanotubes electrodes have been fabricated and preliminary evaluation of their electrochemical performance has been conducted.